Alfa Romeo introduces its first SUV, the 2018 Stelvio, starting at $41,995

The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti Sport is a new model from the Italian brand that recently returned to the U.S. market with its sporty cars. This is Afa’s first crossover utility vehicle,with seating for up to five passengers. It comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

By G. CHAMBERS WILLIAMS III

Italy’s premium Alfa Romeo brand returned to the U.S. market in 2008 after a 13-year absence, featuring sporty cars. But there’s also an SUV in the mix now, the all-new Stelvio, a five-passenger midsize crossover added for 2018.

The Stelvio has the signature Alfa V-shaped mesh grille also found on the 4C sports car and the Giulia sedan. Stelvio is named after the highest mountain pass in Italy, which rises to 9,000 feet.

Base and Ti models come with the same turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine used in the base and Ti versions of the Giulia, with 280 horsepower and 306 foot-pounds of torque, connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Q4 all-wheel-drive system is standard on all Stelvio models.

The Stelvio starts at $41,995 (plus $995 freight), while the Stelvio Ti begins at $43,995. Our test vehicle was the Stelvio Ti Sport AWD, at $46,695, which included the Ti Sport AWD package ($2,500), along with other options that pushed the final sticker to $54,090, including freight.

At the way top of the line is the Stelvio Quadrifoglio ($79,995), which, like the Giulia version with the same name, features a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine with 505 horsepower, and an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Base and Ti models are surprisingly affordable for a storied premium brand such as Alfa, even with the Sport upgrade.

While the Quadrifoglio model is like a rocket on wheels, you really don’t need to spend $80,000-plus to get a well-equipped, fun-to-drive Stelvio.

The high-powered version is a lot more fun on the track, of course, but the lower-powered models are no slouches. Alfa says the Stelvio with the four-cylinder can go from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, and has a top speed of 144 mph. We didn’t attempt to verify the top speed, but the zero-60 time is pretty accurate.

Just like the Giulia sedan, the Alfa Stelvio turns heads wherever it goes. It was hard to stop anywhere without having people coming up to ask about it.

Stelvio is built in Cassino, Italy, and has what Alfa says is “class-leading” power and performance – “an SUV for the S-curves.”

It features nearly 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution, and there are optional steering-column-mounted aluminum paddle shifters to allow the driver to shift the transmission manually.

The Alfa DNA Drive Mode Selector lets the driver choose the driving behavior. Choices include Dynamic, for sharper brake and steering feel with more aggressive engine, transmission and throttle response; Comfort, for normal daily driving; and Advanced Efficiency, designed to provide the best fuel economy.

Safety and advanced driver-assist features include Full-speed Forward Collision Warning, which provides automatic braking, to slow or bring the vehicle to a full stop if a frontal collision appears imminent; Adaptive Cruise Control, with full stop; and Lane Departure Warning.

Other available safety technology includes Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Path Detection and front- and rear-park assist. The Stelvio also comes with advanced driver and front-passenger air bags; driver and front passenger seat-mounted side air bags; front and rear side-curtain air bags; and driver and front passenger inflatable knee air bags.

Among other standard features even at the base Stelvio price are a seven-inch TFT instrument cluster screen, rain-sensing wipers, heated/power/folding outside mirrors, sport suspension, an audio system with a 6.5-inch screen and eight speakers, an ambient interior lighting package, auto-dimming rearview mirror and dual-zone automatic climate control. Keyless entry and pushbutton start are standard, with the start/stop button placed in the lower right corner of the steering wheel.

We found the front bucket seats to be quite comfortable. In the rear, two people could sit comfortably in the outboard positions, with a third person riding not as comfortably in the middle. The rear seat has a 40/20/40 fold-down feature to extend the cargo storage capacity.

We also had the Dual-Pane Sunroof ($1,350); the 8.8-inch radio/navigation system ($950); a Harmon Kardon premium audio system ($900); Driver Assistance Static Package ($650), including blind-spot and cross-path detection and auto-dimming outside mirrors; the Convenience Package ($200), with cargo rail system, cargo net and 115-volt power outlet; and a compact spare tire ($450).

Highlights: New for 2018, the Stelvio is Italian premium brand Alfa Romeo’s first SUV for the U.S. market. It seats five and has a variety of luxury features, including a leather interior. It’s fun to drive, with great acceleration even with the base four-cylinder engine, and excellent roadhandling. All-wheel drive is standard on all models.

Negatives: Rear seat better suited for two adults than three; no third-row seat available for added passenger capacity.